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It amazes me how some of our politicians make ill-informed recommendations.

The latest comes from Councillor Michael Walker. If he had his way, Toronto’s downtown core businesses wouldn’t be allowed to accept deliveries during peak rush hour periods. That would effectively eliminate trucks between 7 and 10 a.m. and 3 and 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. But wait, it gets even better.

Don’t think he’s going to stop there. If it becomes law, (and I can’t believe it will) look for him to push banning downtown truck deliveries altogether (at least during the week.)

Don’t get me wrong, he means well. Nobody enjoys the endless merging that’s necessary in order to navigate Toronto’s streets, but as an elected official and the bright man I’m sure he is, he really should have done a little more research.

Did Mr. Walker consider what effect this ban would have on the businesses themselves? They are as diversified as the people who make up the city. You’ve got the 9 to 5 head office gangs; most of them will be sipping Grey Goose martinis by 5:15, so don’t be thinking about any deliveries to their offices after 6 p.m.

Then there’s the small independent running the neighbourhood pub. After locking his doors at 4 a.m., what are the chances of him (or her) making it back for a delivery before 7 the next morning? It’s not going to happen. You’ve got businesses that rely on “just-in-time deliveries.” Does Mr. Walker think that eliminating a six-hour delivery window is not going to affect their efficiency?

Most of the media attention has been directed on the impact of restricted deliveries. What about shipping? I can hear it now.

“Hello Mr. Courier Company, Rob Wilkins here, I’ve got a package that absolutely needs to be delivered by tomorrow morning so come and get it.”

“Sorry, no can do. The SWAT team has the core surrounded. If it’s important, meet us on the north side of Bloor before 2 p.m.”

I’ve just scratched the surface on the impact something as foolish as this represents.

I did hear David Bradley being interviewed.

He was of the opinion that concern over gridlock should be directed at car drivers and I couldn’t agree more.

I venture downtown twice a month, on average.

For the most part, I don’t see trucks blocking intersections when a light changes – it’s usually the idiot who’s been weaving in and out trying to get to the head of the dunce class.

– Rob Wilkins is the publisher of Truck News and he can be reached at 416-510-5123.